Pressure-actuated valve for engines.



N0. 842,129. PATENTED JAN. 22, 1907.

. A. BALL & T. OFFICER. Y

PRESSURE ACTUATBD VALVE FOR ENGINES.

' APPLICATION FILED 00T: ao, i905. l

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No. 842,129.y PATENTED JAN. 22, 1907.

A. BALL & T. OFFICER.

PRESSURE AGTUATED VALVE POR ENGINES.

APPLIUATION FILED 0OT.30. 1905.

2 .SHEETS-SHEET 2.

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1 gines-'usedfor any one purpose, our invention States, residingatClaremont, in the county panying drawings, is a-vspecification, likelet- UNrrED s'rArEs PArENr orrron.

ALBERT BALL AND THOMAS OFFICER INERY COMPANY, OF CLAREMONT,

NEW HAMPSHIRE, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

PRESSURE-ACTUATED Specification ofLetters Patent.

VALVE FOR ENGINES.

Patented Jan. 22, 1907'.

.Application filed October 30,1905. Serial No.`284,992.

To all, w/tom it may concern:

Be it known that we, ALBERT BALL and THOMAS OFFICER, citizens of the`Un1ted of Sullivan and-State of NewHampshire, have invented anImprovement in Pressure-Actuated Valves'forfEngnes, of which thefollowing description,in connection with the accomters on the drawingsrepresenting like parts. Our inventionrelates to engines, andmoreparticularly, though not exclusively, todirect-acting fluid-pressureengines-such, for example, as are used .for operatingdrills or otheryreciprocating tools.

While not limited in its'application to enis capable of advantageous useAwith stonechanneling machines, and we have herein illustratedits-principles by showing one form .thereof embodied in a machine 4ofthat -nature.

In a channeling-machine the tool or `tools are directly attached tothepiston-rodand are reciprocated at a high speed, striking the stone a`series .of `powerful andy rapidly-repeated blows. ATo get thespeed'desired and at the same ltime therequisite power, itis necessaryto have a rapid admission vof pressure on reversing movementof thevalve. To obtain -a quick valve-reversing movement, there is usuallyprovided a main piston-valve thrown towardits reversingposition by thepressure-control of an auxiliary valve, the latter operated by thepiston movement and often through a reducing motion from the cross-head.The movement communicated to the auxiliary Vvalve from the cross-head issuchthat -at .the appropriate timein the piston travel the auxiliaryvalve is caused to admit pressure to or exhaust-it vfrom one end of themainnvalve, this acting instantly to reverse the same.

Our present invention provides vmeans for obtaining a .quick reversingaction of the main valvewithout the necessity of an auxiliaryreverse-valve. The valve-while controlled primarily by the piston.movement is also subject to a pressure-control which on initialmovement of y.the valve acts quickly to. advance the latter toward its`reverse position.

Our invention willbe -best understood by neling-en gine.

vfrom that shown may Fig. 2, serving to admit ypointed out in theappended claims.

In the draWingaFigure l is a vertical vsectional view, partiallybroken-away, showing one form of our invention applied to a chan- Fig.2- is a similar view showing the valve and the piston, respectively, indifferent positions from those in Fig. 1. Fig. 8 is a plan view of thesteam-chest and cylinder partially broken away. Fig. ais a verticalsectional view, Aon an enlarged scale, taken through the piston-valveand the steamchest and showing the construction of the valve and itsattached parts.

Referring to the drawings, and particularly toFigs. 1 and 2 thereof,there is shown, for the sake of illustrating the principles -of myinvention, a direct-actingengine of the type which isv ordinarilyemployed upon channeling-machines. The medium usually employed in thistype of engine is steam, but so far as .our invention is concernedeither steamy or other gas under Vpressure may be used-and engines ofwidely-diiierent types be employed. The framework of the engine havingno material connection with our invention is for that reason omitted,butin practice the enginecylinder ya, will be supported to permit avertical reciprocation of the piston t and the piston --rod c, thelatter carryingy the cross-head d, sliding in `suitable ways upon theframework. (N ot shown.) The steamchest e, containing the vpiston-controlling valve, is suitably secured to one side of thecylinderand has the threaded supply-opening j, (see Figs. 3 and 4,)adapted to be connected in any suitable way with a source ofpressure-supply. (Not shown.) Thesupply-openingf is connected, Fig. 4,bythe divided passage]U .with the upper inlet-,portj2 andtheloWer-inlet-portf3, the former in-one position of the valve, Fig. l,v'serving to admit pressure through the head-end cylinderportg to thehead end ofthe cylinder, and the latter in the reverse position of thevalve,

pressure through cthe tool-end cylinder-port 7L to the tool end thereof.The steam-chest, Fig. 3, is also provided with the exhaust-passage 7c,which communi- IOO 4, which may be turned by means of the handle 165,Fig. 3, to change the available cross-sectional area of the passage, andthereby more or less to throttle the exhaust at the tool end of thecylinder but inasmuch as this forms no party of our invention furtherreference thereto is unnecessary.

The valve Z is of the piston type, having four spools or piston-bodiesZ', Z2, Z3, and Z* and provided with a centrally-bored sleeve ,throughwhich passes the valve-spindle m,

which assists partially to control the valve. The spindle is connectedfor vertical reciprocation with the piston, and for that purpose .theend thereof is extended through a suitable stufhng-box at the bottom ofthe valvechamber. The projecting spindle end, Fig. 1, is there jointedby the connection m2 to the pivoted link m3, which latter is joined tothe reci rocating cross-head of the engine by the ink m4, these severalmembers constituting, in effect, a reducing-gear for suitably reducingthe movement transmitted from the cross-head to the spindle. Within the.valve-chamber at one end, (see Fig. 4,) and herein the lower end, thevalve-stem is provided with a collar m5, adapted to abut against one endof the valve, and at the other with the adjustable nut m, adapted toabut against the opposite valve end. Between these two abutments m5 andm the valve maybe freely moved under the influence of the controllingpressure which for that purpose is employed, as hereinafter described.The nut m is adjustably threaded on the end of the spindle, so that theplay allowed the valve between the two abutments may be increased ordiminished at will. During the reciprocation of the piston the nutslides within the bushing a, the latter having a groove fn, Figs. l and2, to receive the key m7 upon the nut, preventing the latter fromturning and impairing the adjustment. The bushing a, however, has thehexagonal head n2, and when freed from the clamping-collar o may befreely turned to adjust the nut lengthwise the spindle. When the desiredadjustment has been effected, the clampingcollar o, by means of theclamping-bolts shown, is screwed down against the neck or shoulder uponthe bushing and effectively retains the latter in fixed position. Onmove- .ment of the piston the consequent and correspending movement ofthe valve-spindle gives initial movement to the valve by the engagementtherewith of one or the other ofthe two abutments. At an early stage ofthis pistonactuated valve movement pressure means are brought intooperation to throw the valve forward to the limit of its free movementupon the spindle, this quick throw of the valve to its reverse positionbeing su'lflcient to admit full pressure at once to the opposite end ofthe piston. For the pressure-actuation of the valve there are providedthe upper auxiliary pressure-passage p and the lower auxiliary passageg. The former has the port p, which in one position of the valve opensto the intermediate exhaust-port, also the port p2, opening to the upperinlet-port f2, and the port p3, communicating with a pressure-chamberformed between the upper end of the piston-valve and the inner end ofthe bushing n. The lower auxiliary pressure-port g likewise has a portg, which in one position of the valve is placed in communication withthe intermediate exhaustport, the port Q2 communicating with the lowerinlet-port, and the port g3 communicating with a pressure-chamber formedbetween the lower end of the valve and the stuffingbox. rThe twoopposite pressure-chambers are prevented from communicating with eachother through the central bore of the valvesleeve by means of theenlargement m8 upon the valve-stem adjacent the collar m5, which thereathas a snugly-sliding iit within the valve-sleeve.

A more detailed operation of the described form of the valve is asfollows: Assuming the piston to be just starting on its downward stroke,asv shown in Fig. l, the valve in the position shown is held against theabutting nut 'm6 by pressure at Jthe opposite end of the valve in thelower pressure-chamber, the said pressure being maintained through theports g3, lower auxiliary pressure-port q, port g2, and lower inlet-portf3. The pressure is relieved in the pressure-chamber at the upper end ofthe valve, since the upper auxiliary pressure-port p is then incommunication with the exhaust through the port p. As the Vpiston movesdownwardly the spindle also moves downwardly, carrying the valve with itby engagement of the abutting nut therewith. As soon as the valve movesfar enough to uncover the port q and close the port p the pressure isrelieved in the lower valve-chamber through the connection made with theexhaust and is azniitted to the upper valve-chamber, with the effect ofinstantly throwing the valve forward or downward with the lower valveend against the abutting collar m5. This movement of the valve issuiiicient to shut off the head-end cylinder-port g from the inlet-portand open it to the exhaust, and at the same time to shut off thetool-end port h from the ex- ICO IOS

:held against the abutting abutments.

haust and open itto the inlet-port f3 by an amount which rapidlyincreases as the valve travels farther downward, the latter continuingto be held against the descending abutting collar m5 by the pressure atits upper end. When the piston reaches the lower end of the cylinder,its momentum is overcome by the delivery of the blow, and the piston andvalve partsassume the position shown in Fig. 2. The pressure is beingadmitted to the tool end of the cylinder through theport h and is beingexhausted at the head end vthrough the port g. The valve is then movedupward with the ascending piston by the abutting collar m5 on thespindleuntil the port p is opened, thereby releasing the pressure at theupper pressure-chamber and the port g closed, thereby raising thepressure at the lower pressure-chamber. This causes the valve to beadvanced on its spindle up and against the abutting nut m, this advancedmovement of the valve sulficing to connect the port 7L with the exhaustand the port g with the upper inlet-portfz, the valve being nut by thepressure in the lower chamber until after the upward limit ofstroke isreached and the downward stroke begun.

The amount of pressure-controlled travel of the valve relative to itsspindle can be increased or diminished by adjusting the nut m6 to varythe distance between the two The more play allowed the valve upon thestem by increasing this distance the quicker will the piston be reversedby incoming pressure` on throw of the valve, so that a considerablerange of travel may be given the piston in the cylinder by the mereadjustment of the nut m6 and without altering the movement or travel ofthe valvestem. This adjustment of the nut m6 may be made while themachine is ruiming, and the operator can then readily see the edects ofthe adjustment and secure the nut and bushing in fixed position by theclampingcollar when the desired result is reached.

While we have illustrated and explained the principles of our inventionby reference to one speciiic embodiment thereof, which for illustrativepurposes we have shown in detail, the invention is not limited to thedetails or form or arrangement of parts herein shown, but these maybewidely departed from without departing from the spirit of our invention.

We claim` l. A direct-acting engine having-a piston, a valve, areciprocating actuator positively connected to said piston to be movedtherewith at a proportionate rate, said actuator being loosely connectedto said valve to move the same on initial movement of the piston, andpressure means controlled by initial valve movement to advance saidvalve relatively to the actuator, and place the samein position toAbefmoved thereby at the beginning of the return movement thereof.

2. A direct-acting engine having a iston, a valve, a reciprocatingactuator loose y connected to the valve, positively-connected means forreciprocating said actuator through movement of the piston to giveinitial movement to the valve and pressure means'controlled by initialvalve movement quickly to advance the-valve for reversal of the engineand to move the valve relatively to the actuator, therebyleaving it inrelation thereto to be moved by the actuator on initialreverse pistonmovement.

3. An engine having a piston, a valve, positivelyconnected means betweenthe valve and the piston initially to -move the valve at the begimiingof the piston-stroke and in response to piston movement and pressurermeans brought into operationen initial valve movement quickly toadvance the valve for reversal of the piston.

4. An engine having apiston-valve, positively-connected means betweenthe valve and the piston initially to move the valve in response topiston movement, pressure means controlled by the initial valve movementquickly to advance the valve for reversal of the piston and means forvarying the extent of the pressure-actuated valve movement.

5. A direct-acting engine having a main valve, a reciprocating actuatorloosely connected to the valve, means for reciprocating said actuatorthrough movement of the piston to give initial movement to the valve,pressure positively-connected means controlled by the initial valvemovement quickly to advance the valve for reversal of the engine and tomove the valve relatively to the actuator, thereby leaving it inposition to be initially moved by the actuator onreverse movementthereof, and means to vary the extent of the pressure-actuated valvemovement relatively to the actuator.

6. An engine having a piston,a reciprocating valve, a valve-actuator,said actuator having two abutments adapt-ed for engagement one ortheothcr with said valve, said valve being adapted for relative movementbetween said abutments, positively-connected means to reciprocate saidactuator from and with the piston, thereby initially to move said valveby engagement between the same and one of the said abutments, pressuremeans controlled on the initial valve' move-- ment to advance the valverelatively to the actuator and throw the same against the ioQ IIO

other abutment to reverse the engine, said valve being thereby placed inrelation to said actuator to be moved reversely on reverse movementthereof.

7. An engine having a piston, a reciprocating valve, a valve-actuator,said actuator having two abutments adapted for engagement one or theother with said valve, said valve being adapted for relative movementbetween said abutments, connecting means to reciprocate said actuatorfrom and with the piston, thereby initially to move said valve byengagement between the same and. one of the said abutments, pressuremeans controlled on the initial valve movement to advance the valverelatively to the actuator and throw the same against the other abutmentto reverse the engine, said valve being thereby placed in relation tosaid actuator to be moved reversely on reverse movement thereof, andmeans for adjusting one of said abutments lengthwise the actuator tovary the movement of the valve relatively thereto.

8. A direct-acting engine having a cylinder, a piston, a piston-rod, apiston-valve controlling the admission ot pressure 'to and exhaust fromsaid cylinder, a valve-stem passing loosely through said piston-valveand at the outside of the valve-chamber connected to be moved with andby said pistonrod, an abutment upon said valve-stem at each end of saidpiston-valve -and adapted each for engagement therewith but permittingrelative movement between the valve and the stem, piston-heads at eachend of said piston-valve provided in conjunction with the valve-chamber,pressure-chambers at each end thereof, an auxiliary pressureport openinginto each pressure-chamber, said ports each having passages adapted tobe connected either with the exhaust or with the pressure, said passagesbeing so controlled by the valve movement produced by engagement betweenthe valve and an abutment upon the stem as to raise the pressure in onechamber and lower it in the opposite chamber, thereby to advance thevalve relatively to and upon the stem.

9. An engine having a piston, a valve controlling the same, areciprocating actuator moving said valve, abutments upon said actuatorbetween which said valve has relative movement, one of' said abutmentshaving threaded adjustment upon said actuator and means exterior to thevalve-chamber for adjusting the position ot said abutments upon saidactuator.

10. An engine having a piston-valve, connecting means between the valveand the piston initially to move the valve in response to pistonmovement, pressure means controlled by the initial valve movementquickly to advance the valve for reversal of the piston and means forvarying the extent ot the pressure-actuated valve movement while theengine is running.

l1. A direct-acting engine having a cylinder, a piston, a piston-rodadapted for direct attachment to a tool, a valve controlling saidengine, a reciprocating valve-actuator loosely connected to the valve, areducing mechanism positively connecting said actuator to saidpiston-rod to cause the same to reciprocate at a proportionate rate withsaid piston, pressure means also tor controlling said valve, said valvebeing actuated part y by said actuator and partly by saidpressurecontrolling means.

, 12. An engine having a piston, a reciprocating valve, a valve-stempositively connected for reciprocation with and from the piston, a valveloosely mounted on said valve-stem, abutments between said valve andstem for causing initial movement ot the valve, and pressure meanscontrolled by initial valve movement quickly to advance said valverelatively to the stem.

13. An engine having a piston, a reciprocating valve, a valve-stem towhich said valve is loosely connected, abutments between said valve andvalve-stem permitting relative movement between the same, positivelyconnected piston operated means therefor, pressure-chambers in whichsaid valve is movable, pressure-passages controlled by the initialmovement of the valve for admitting or exhausting pressure from saidchambers to permit pressure-actuated movement ot said valve upon saidstem.

14. An engine having a cylinder, a piston, a piston-rod, a piston-valvecontrolling the admission of pressure to and exhausting it from saidcylinder, piston-heads at each end of said piston-valve, pressure-chambers in which said ends operate, pressure-ports opening into saidpressure-chambers and controlled by initial movement ot the valve, anactuator loosely connected to permit relative movement ot the valve,'said actuator being positively connected to said piston to move thevalve and thereby admit pressure to or exhaust the same from saidpressure-chambers to advance the valve relatively to the actuator.

l5. An engine having a piston, a valve controlling the same, thereciprocating actuator moving said valve, abutments upon said actuatorbetween which said valve has relative movement and means exterior to thevalve-chamber for adjusting the relative position ot said abutments.

In testimony whereof we have signed our l names to this specification inthe presence of l two subscribing witnesses. l ALBERT BALL. i THOMASOFFICER. Vitnesses 1 l JAMES A. BRUCE, l DAVID P. FLETCHER.

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